Overview

DLVSC Goalkeeper Training has grown to be the most outstanding and proven goalkeeper sessions in Las Vegas. The Goalkeeper curriculum is age specific, for both genders, and will help develop all DLVSC competitive goalkeepers U11 – U19. There will be separate sessions held throughout the calendar season that will be for the U7 – U10 age group goalkeepers so they progress at their own speed and environment. All goalkeeper sessions are open to DLVSC players, no matter their ability, as our aim is to not only develop the players that want to play the goalkeeper position but for those players to enjoy the position.

Mission

For every goalkeeper, regardless of age, level, or ability – to come to training on a weekly basis and develop a deeper love for the position of goalkeeping; through hard work, great concentration and pure enjoyment of the sport. Your reward will be games on the weekend and being able to showcase your ability you have learned through our curriculum.

Age Appropriate

For DLVSC GK training to be at its optimal for the holistic player development GK training can be introduced in a very specific manner and way. As young athletes start the process of becoming soccer players there needs to be an understanding of all positions on the field. Through progression, If this style/belief is followed we end up with more well-rounded soccer players that possess a better understanding for each position as well as the game and its demands.

In the 7v7 format ALL players rotate thru the 7 roles- Forward attacking lines, Midfield building lines, Defensive protecting lines, and Goalkeeper. This philosophy will only need to happen in the first year of 7v7. It will help identify and educate the coaches, players, and parents of the different positions and specific demands of each position. By the second 7v7 season the coach will be able to identify which players DO NOT belong in the GK position, which players have a better understanding for the GK position, and which players can start to see a pathway for the GK position.

In the 9v9 format, there needs to be a good understanding of the value behind having MORE than 1 GK per team. It would be optimal for the 9v9 format to have 3 players that are able to play this position throughout the year/season.

In the 11v11 format, the best situation is to have 2 GKs per team in the highly competitive environment (any team that travels or is entered in State Cup, etc.). This will allow for competition in the position as well as any injury can be compensated without sacrifice of the team quality/integrity by a field player.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child is 5 years old and already knows that they are going to be a GK.

Our response to that is GREAT. Now it is our job to make sure he/she doesn’t miss becoming a soccer player along the way. In the modern game, the GK MUST possess field player skills and abilities if they are going to properly contribute to a team. The DTLVSC Club philosophy and beliefs align with this as “player development”.

My child doesn’t like paying on the field because they have asthma.

Players need to be medically cleared to participate in a CARDIO based activity as well as understand that many children diagnosed with Asthma (sports induced asthma) may eventually grow out of the condition.

My child doesn’t like playing on the field because they are not that good at it.

Our response to this is always the same. “I was not very good at writing my name the first time I picked up a crayon, but over time and repetition I became much better at it”. If a child is having fun and learning at the same time, their skills can only improve.

Rotation Method

The rotation method is critical for player development. The rotation method for our younger age groups gives us the best possible chance at helping develop, prepare, and build the best possible soccer players by embracing the holistic approach as coaches and educators in the community. I also believe that it helps create a foundation for player development at the ground level and introduction to the position. This will also need to include the help and open communication of the whole coaching staff. The coaches are the ones that see the players day in and day out. With their input as well as guidance, changing the landscape is not only possible but probable.

Curriculum

Goalkeeper Specific Speed/Agility Fitness

Handling

Shot Blocking – Front and Angles

Crosses and High Balls

Wide Service

Breakaways

Dealing with the back pass

Short Distribution

Long Distribution

Goalkeepers in Specific Game Models

Numbers set by US Soccer Federation age group standards

U-5/U-6 4v4 NO GKs

U-7/U-9 7v7 Introduction of the GK position in regular weekly training sessions.

U-10/U-12 9v9 GKs

U-13 and older 11v11 GKs

Goalkeeping Curriculum

Philosophy

Goalkeeper Training will follow a two-week per discipline training format. Each Goalkeeper will work on a specific topic for two weeks at a time. This gives the Goalkeeper a chance to learn the specific topic for a two-week period of time.

In this periodization model, the Goalkeeper will learn the skill, work on the skill, and then return back to their team environment/games and perform the skill. They will then revisit the skill and perform it at a higher level of competency under more specific demands of pressure and quality completion.

This gives the Goalkeeper a training environment to learn as well as a team environment to learn and progress. There will also be an opportunity for game day feedback, coaching and critique for all GKs.

Periodization

The disciplines of DLVSC Goalkeeper Training will include the following areas:

Handling (2 weeks)

Shot blocking (2 weeks)

High balls/wide services (2 weeks)

Dealing with the back pass/Distribution (2 weeks)

Session Structure

Daily activities will focus on:

Footwork

Agility

Technique

Communication (organizational skills)

Organizational (tactical skills)

Game related training environment

Small group training environment for high rep learning

Areas of Emphasis:

Handling

Shot blocking

High balls

Wide services

Breakaways

Dealing with the back pass

Distribution

All Goalkeepers will be shown/given a CLUB wide warm-up as well as ALL DLVSC coaching staff to help keep a uniform style of progression for play.

Angles, Re-starts and Wall set up/ Preparing for free kicks will be addressed throughout training sessions

These disciplines will then be revisited in order to provide repetition, education, additional detail, and team training/game time application to the GK-specific environment.

What Do I Need?

It is important for goalkeepers to wear goalkeeper gloves. Goalkeeper gloves not only give you a better grip on the ball, but they offer protection and cushioning. All goalies need a good pair of goalkeeper gloves.

When you choose a more expensive product, you hope that you are buying a product that will last longer, but that isn’t necessarily the case with goalkeeper gloves. The most expensive goalie gloves are engineered for feel not durability. The most expensive goalkeeper gloves won’t last as long because the best material for goalkeeper purposes is not as durable as the cheaper materials. Each manufacturer uses various formulas of latex and each apply their own patented technology to their goalkeeper gloves. Adidas, Nike, Reusch, Uhlsport, Sells and Puma are my picks for Goalkeeper Gloves here in the USA.

There are different goalie gloves for all weather conditions, levels of skill, and pockets. Most goalkeepers will have two pairs of goalkeeper gloves, one for practice and one for games. The best soccer goalkeepers have an inexpensive durable pair of gloves that they use during practice and one pair of the most expensive goalkeeper’s gloves that are ONLY used for games. It is obvious that you want to be playing with your best goalkeeper gloves during the match.

Most goalkeeper gloves are comprised of a smooth latex, which provides the best grip.

Dimpled and textured latex gloves are also available. They offer more durability but their grip is not as great as pure latex gloves. Some manufacturers also utilize different treatments to increase the tackiness of the glove. Typically the better the latex, the better the gloves will perform. The fingers and wrist bands have also been significantly improved to give better protection for the fingers and wrists.

Soccer goalkeeper gloves should fit snuggly, but not too tight. Your hand should not slide around inside the glove. It is important that the glove is slightly oversized so that the keeper’s hands have extra surface area.

They should be designed with sufficient padding and the flexibility to manipulate the ball. Make sure you buy the goalkeeper gloves that are right for you.

Two Pairs of Gloves, ALWAYS

Two Pair of Boots, One for Soft Ground, One for Firm Ground

Shin Guards

Spare Goalkeeper Jersey

Towel, Water Bottle, and Hat

Chewing Gum

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Education

Downtown Las Vegas Soccer is a premier soccer teaching club stressing individual development over team success.

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Elite Options

Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club offers the most advanced levels of play, providing opportunities from beginner to elite.

Professional Curriculum

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Get to Know DLVSC

Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization that provides Nevada’s youth the most comprehensive soccer experience for players three-years-old to professional. At DLVSC, our vision is a healthy, competitive and positive world where athletes and their family’s soccer educational needs are met on a consistent basis.